Dealing With Unpaid Wages in District of Columbia
My employer hasn't paid me — here's what District of Columbia law says and what to do next.
Statute: D.C. Code § 32-1303
Deadline: 7 days
Penalty: Employer may be liable for treble (3x) the amount of unpaid wages as liquidated damages, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees
What is dealing with unpaid wages?
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Your employer must pay you at least this amount for every hour you work. Many states and cities have higher minimum wages — you're entitled to whichever is higher.
Tipped employees have a lower federal minimum ($2.13/hr), but your tips plus wages must equal at least $7.25/hr. If they don't, your employer must make up the difference.
What to Do If Your Employer Pays Below Minimum Wage
Step 1: Know your rate. Check your state and city minimum wage — it's often higher than the $7.25 federal rate.
Step 2: Calculate your actual hourly pay. Divide your total weekly pay by total hours worked. If it's below the minimum, you have a claim.
Step 3: Document everything. Save pay stubs, schedules, and any records of hours worked.
Step 4: File a complaint. Contact the DOL Wage and Hour Division or your state's labor department. Many employment attorneys handle wage cases on contingency.
How District of Columbia differs from federal law
D.C. has one of the highest minimum wages in the country and is indexed to inflation:
- Standard minimum wage: $17.95/hr (effective July 1, 2025), adjusted annually each July 1 based on the Consumer Price Index. D.C.'s minimum wage consistently ranks among the highest in the nation.
- Tipped employees: The tipped minimum wage is being phased up under Initiative 82, passed by D.C. voters in 2022. As of 2025, the tipped base wage is $10.00/hr and increases each year. As amended by the D.C. Council in 2025, the phase-up will bring tipped workers' base wage to 75% of the full minimum wage by 2034 (rather than full parity as originally passed).
- No exemptions for small employers: Unlike some states, D.C.'s minimum wage applies to all employers regardless of size.
- Living wage for government contractors: Businesses contracting with the D.C. government must pay an even higher living wage rate.
Additional steps in District of Columbia
File a complaint with D.C. DOES at does.dc.gov or call (202) 671-1880. You may also contact the D.C. Office of the Attorney General's Workers' Rights Bureau for wage theft claims.
What you should NOT do
Don't accept illegal deductions. Your employer cannot deduct for cash register shortages, breakage, or uniforms if it would bring your pay below minimum wage.
Don't ignore tip credit violations. If you're a tipped employee and your tips + base pay don't reach $7.25/hr, your employer must pay the difference.
Don't sign away your rights. Any agreement to work for less than minimum wage is unenforceable under federal law.
Don't wait — the clock is ticking.
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Generate your unpaid wages →This page is general legal information for District of Columbia, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on facts we don't know. For advice on your matter, consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia.